Nashville has several dental assistant training options, including 10-week, 12-week, 8-month, and online programs.
Costs range from about $1,239 for online study to more than $20,000 for private college training.
Dental Assistants annual average salary in Tennessee is $37,174 - ABOVE U.S. AVERAGE!
#1 Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville
Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville is one of the strongest public dental assisting options in the city.
It is a good fit for students who want a full-time technical college program with lower tuition than most private schools.
Programs Offered
TCAT Nashville offers a Dental Assisting program.
The program includes chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, dental materials, patient care, dental office procedures, dental anatomy, and clinical dental assisting skills.
Tuition and Cost
The estimated program cost is about $4,307.
That includes:
- Tuition and fees: about $2,974
- Textbooks and supplies: about $1,333
- Uniforms: ask if included
- CPR and health requirements: about $100 to $300 if separate
- Exam or certification fees: about $200 to $700 if separate
Program Length
The program is about 864 clock hours.
It usually takes about 8 months full-time.
Address: 100 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37209, United States
#2 Nashville Dental Assistant School
Nashville Dental Assistant School is a short-term program for students who want a faster and lower-cost route into dental assisting.
It is designed for beginners who want online lessons during the week and hands-on practice in a dental office setting.
Programs Offered
The school offers a 12-week Dental Assistant program.
Students learn chairside assisting, dental instruments, sterilization, patient care, dental materials, office basics, X-ray preparation, impressions, and career skills.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $3,650.
Students should ask what is included, but a practical budget may include:
- Tuition: about $3,650
- Weekly payment plans: as low as about $100 per week
- Books and supplies: ask if included
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150 if separate
- CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300 if separate
- Transportation: varies
Program Length
The program takes about 12 weeks.
Address: 1707 State St, Nashville, TN 37203
#3 First Class Dental Assisting School of Nashville
First Class Dental Assisting School of Nashville is a short dental assistant program for students who want hands-on training and a 10-week schedule.
It is a good fit for students who prefer a dental-focused school instead of a larger college.
Programs Offered
The school offers a 10-week Dental Assisting program.
Training includes chairside assisting, dental terminology, dental instruments, sterilization, patient care, dental materials, dental office procedures, and clinical skills.
Tuition and Cost
Students should confirm current pricing before enrolling.
A practical short-program budget may include:
- Tuition: about $3,500 to $6,000
- Books and supplies: may be included
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150 if separate
- CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300
- Registration or deposit: varies
- Transportation: varies
Program Length
The program takes about 10 weeks.
Address: 1177 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 102, Brentwood, TN 37027.
#4 Remington College, Nashville
Remington College has a Nashville campus and offers healthcare career programs.
It is a private college option for students who want a longer dental assisting diploma program with a structured campus schedule.
Programs Offered
Remington College offers a Dental Assisting diploma program.
The program includes chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, dental materials, patient care, dental office procedures, dental anatomy, clinical skills, and CPR certification.
Tuition and Cost
Estimated tuition can range from about $16,000 to more than $21,000, depending on the reporting source and enrollment period.
A practical budget may include:
- Tuition and fees: about $16,000 to $21,500
- Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,500
- Uniforms and lab materials: ask if included
- CPR certification: may be included
- Exam or certification fees: about $200 to $700
- Transportation: varies
Program Length
The program can be completed in as few as 8 months.
Address: 441 Donelson Pike, Suite 150Nashville, TN 37214
#5 South College, Nashville
South College has a Nashville campus and offers healthcare programs.
Students should confirm current dental assistant program availability before applying, since program offerings can vary by campus.
Programs Offered
Dental assistant-related training may include chairside assisting, dental terminology, infection control, sterilization, patient care, dental office procedures, radiography basics, and clinical skills.
Students should ask whether the current program includes externship hours, CPR, X-ray preparation, and any Tennessee dental assisting credential preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Students should request the current program cost directly from the school.
A practical private-school estimate may include:
- Tuition and fees: about $10,000 to $18,000
- Books and supplies: about $500 to $1,200
- Uniforms: about $50 to $200
- Lab materials: varies
- Exam or certification costs: about $200 to $700
- Registration fee: varies
Program Length
Many private dental assistant programs run about 8 to 12 months.
Students should confirm the current schedule and total hours before applying.
Address: 616 Marriott Dr, Nashville, TN 37214.The c
#6 Volunteer State Community College Workforce Training
Volunteer State Community College serves the Greater Nashville area and offers workforce and continuing education programs.
It may be useful for students who want online or career training options connected to a public college.
Programs Offered
Dental assistant-related workforce courses may include clinical dental assistant training, dental terminology, patient care, infection control, dental office procedures, and exam preparation.
Students should ask whether the current course includes hands-on practice, externship support, CPR, or exam vouchers.
Tuition and Cost
Students should confirm current course pricing before enrolling.
A practical online or workforce-course budget may include:
- Course tuition: about $2,000 to $3,500
- Books and materials: ask if included
- Exam voucher: ask if included
- CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150 if separate
- Scrubs or hands-on supplies: about $50 to $150 if needed
- Optional local hands-on training costs: varies
Program Length
Online clinical dental assistant courses are usually self-paced.
Many students should expect several months to complete the course, depending on weekly study time.
Address: 1480 Nashville PikeGallatin, TN 37066
#7 U.S. Career Institute Online Dental Assistant Program
U.S. Career Institute offers an online Dental Assistant program that may work for Nashville students who need a fully flexible option.
It is best for students who are comfortable learning online and can arrange hands-on practice separately if needed.
Programs Offered
The program covers dental anatomy, dental terminology, infection control, patient care, dental instruments, dental office procedures, radiology basics, and entry-level dental assistant preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition options include:
- Pay-in-full price: about $1,239
- Monthly payment plan: about $79 per month
- Payment plan total: about $1,539
- Books and materials: ask if included
- CPR or BLS: about $75 to $150 if separate
- Optional hands-on training costs: varies
Program Length
The program is online and self-paced.
Many students complete online dental assistant training in several months, depending on weekly study time.
Address: 2001 Lowe St, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States
Schools Summary Table
Tennessee Salary by Metro Area
This table provides a breakdown of average salaries by metro area, showing how wages differ across regions within the state using recent BLS data.
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 590 | $44,840 | $21.56 | $57,030 | $36,550 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 280 | $44,470 | $21.38 | $57,350 | $35,960 |
| Cleveland, TN | 120 | $42,540 | $20.45 | $57,200 | $32,430 |
| Jackson, TN | 170 | $44,720 | $21.50 | $57,220 | $34,200 |
| Johnson City, TN | 220 | $46,420 | $22.32 | $58,150 | $35,660 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | 320 | $43,030 | $20.69 | $55,810 | $36,450 |
| Knoxville, TN | 780 | $45,040 | $21.65 | $56,490 | $37,010 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 990 | $47,620 | $22.89 | $59,340 | $36,150 |
| Morristown, TN | 110 | $42,280 | $20.33 | $51,770 | $33,950 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 2,370 | $49,450 | $23.78 | $61,430 | $39,780 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Schools by City in Tennessee
